You are here > Things To Do > Grand Western Canal Cycle Route
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
.png)
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
End points: Tiverton (Grid Ref SS 955 124)
Willand (Grid Ref ST 039 115).
This is a lovely peaceful cycle route, often along the towpath, beside this tranquil stretch of water way through the heart of Devon between Tiverton and the Somerset border. The Grand Western Canal forms part of the West Country Way (NCN3) Cycle Route which runs from Padstow in Cornwall to Bristol. This is a flat, easy, mainly off-road route, and ideal for families with children. There are open views of superb landscape on the way, varying between sheltered woodland and sweeping views of the Blackdown Hills.
Since cycling has been permitted on the towpath, there have been a number of safety concerns and near misses. Cyclists are urged to give due care and consideration for other users and to make sure pedestrians are aware of their presence before passing. It is essential that cyclists dismount and walk under bridges as in most cases it is not possible to see what is coming the other way.
You can download our cycling guide below.
Relevant maps/guides:
Explorer (1:25,000) No. 114 Exeter and the Exe Valley, No. 128 Taunton, Blackdown Hills; Landranger (1:50,000) No. 181 Minehead and the Brendon Hills, No. 192 Exeter, Sidmouth.
Facilities along route:
Car parking and refreshments are available in Willand, Tiverton Parkway station, Sampford Peverell, Halberton and Tiverton and Cycle hire is availabl.
Route Length:
Tiverton Parkway to Tiverton return = 12.5 miles + 1 mile to reach Tiverton town centre (one way) and + 3 miles to reach Willand (one-way).
Route passes near to Knightshayes Court (National Trust - reduced entry for those arriving by bicycle) and Tiverton Castle. This is a flat, easy, mainly off-road route, and ideal for families with children.
Theme: Country, Heritage, Nature, Bird Watching,
Style of route: Traffic Free, Off Road,
Area: Mid Devon.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Car parking is available in Willand, Tiverton Parkway station, Halberton and Tiverton. * By Car: The Canal Basin in Tiverton is well-signposted from the M5 J27, the A361 from Barnstaple and the A396 from Exeter. For access to the central section of the Canal either leave the M5 at Junction 27 and follow the A361 North Devon Link Road, taking the first exit to Sampford Peverell; or take the road from Tiverton to Halberton, passing Blundell’s School. To access the northern end of the Canal leave the M5 on Junction 27, follow the A38 to Wellington and follow signs to Burlescombe.
* By Bus: There are regular bus services to Tiverton from Exeter, Barnstaple, Crediton and Taunton. Once at Tiverton Bus Station, it is a half mile walk up to the Canal Basin (the Tourist Information Centre beside the bus station can give directions, if necessary). Alternatively you can catch the Tidcombe Circular bus service which stops just past the Canal Basin, and near Tidcombe Bridge. For more information on this and other public transport services in the region, call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. * By Train: Tiverton Parkway Train Station is located between Sampford Peverell and M5 Junction 27, six miles from Tiverton. The station is served by most trains approaching from Exeter and Taunton. The Canal is half a mile from the station. Take the road away from the station, following the brown signs to the Canal, passing the farm shop and bearing right at the fork before the main road. Cross the main road and follow the track opposite which leads to the Boehill Slipway and the towpath.
Call direct on:
Tel01884 254072
| Grand Western Canal Cycle Route (1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2020) |
|---|
Tiverton Canal Co, is home to one of the Last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and is…
Tiverton Canal Co, is home to one of the Last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and is…
Tiverton Castle is a wonderful, romantic and atmospheric Castle to visit and great fun…
With one of the finest gardens in the South West, Knightshayes is a masterpiece of…
Fursdon is one of Devon’s oldest family homes where the Fursdon family has lived for more…
Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK having been in continuous…
The Bear Trail is Devon's muddiest family assault course. 27 obstacles, unlimited mud! An…
If you’re looking for a day out in Devon, the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions is…
Amazing Animals, magnificent Maze, outdoor Adventure Play, indoor Soft Play, terrific…
Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. Located…
Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train…
With South Western Railway you can explore Devon from anywhere in the country.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out.
The…
There is something uniquely eclectic and informal about the diversity of exhibits that…
Haldon Forest Park is made up of 3,500 acres of woodland, just 15 minutes from Exeter.…
There is so much to see and do at Powderham Castle you will be pushed to fit it all in to…
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company
Ratings & Reviews
Powered By
